The old Opera House in Azbakiya
In 1869, Egypt's first Opera House officially opened during the reign of Khedive Ismail.
Designed by Italian architect Pietro Avoscani, the Khedivial Opera House was opened on the occasion of the inauguration of the Suez Canal.
The old Opera house was located in the Azbakiya district in central Cairo.
In 1971, a fire tragically burned down the opera building completely.
In 1985, Egypt worked in cooperation with Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to build a new Opera House.
The new opera house was inaugurated in 1988 by then-president Hosni Mubarak and Japan's Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the younger brother of the Japanese Emperor.
Ahram Online takes a look at the Opera House's history through pictures.
The old Opera House in Azbakiya
The Opera House in Azbakiya lit at night
The main hall at the old Opera House in Azbakiya
The original score of Opera Aida by Verdi
Queen Nazly and princesses Fayza, Fayqa and Fatheya at the King's loge at the old Opera House in Azbakiya.
King Farouk I with his brother in law crown prince of Iran Mohammed Reza Pahlavi at the old Opera House in Azbakiya
Opera singers Soliman Naguib and Fatma Rushdi at the old Opera House in Azbakiya.
Performers from Opera Aida at the old Opera House in Azbakiya.
The old Opera House in Azbakiya.
The Opera House in Azbakiya during the fire, 1971.
Artists in front of the old Opera House on the day of the fire, 1971.
The old Opera House in Azbakiya destroyed by the fire
Hosni Mubarak inaugurates the new Opera House in 1988.
The new Opera House in Zamalek.
Cairo Opera House main hall (left) and lobby (Photo: Ati Metwaly)
The Cairo Symphony Orchestra & Choir at the new Opera House in Zamalek.
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